I'd be happy to escort you if you'd like. And Emma, too, of course. Faith was taken aback. A social so soon after Thomas's death would certainly raise eyebrows. And yet the thought of sitting alone in her cabin for another Saturday night was depressing.
"I don't know, Mr. Read," she said hesitantly. "It's only been 2 weeks since Thomas passed." "Just as friends," Colton clarified quickly. "Neighbors. I understand it wouldn't be proper otherwise." Faith considered this.
"Perhaps it would be good to meet more people in town, especially if she was going to make a life here for herself and Emma." "All right," she decided as friends. Colton's smile was warm. "I'll call for you at 6 then." When Saturday evening arrived, Faith found herself unusually nervous as she prepared for the social. She had washed her hair and pinned it up in a simple but elegant style, and wore her black dress out of respect for Thomas, though she had brightened it with a small cameo brooch that had been her mother's. Emma was freshly bathed and dressed in a clean gown, her wispy hair tied with a small ribbon.
She seemed to sense her mother's anticipation, babbling excitedly as Faith moved around the cabin. "It's just a church social," Faith told her daughter and herself. "Nothing to be nervous about, but when Colton arrived promptly at 6, Faith's heart skipped traitorously." He had clearly made an effort with his appearance, wearing a clean shirt and vest, his usually unruly hair combed neatly. He even carried a small bunch of wild flowers. "These are for you," he said, offering them somewhat awkwardly.
"Thought they might brighten your table." "They're lovely," Faith said genuinely touched. "Let me put them in water before we go." As she arranged the flowers in a jar, she caught Coloulton making faces at Emma, who was giggling delightedly from her basket. The sight brought an unexpected warmth to Faith's chest. Thomas had been a good father, but he had often been too tired from his work to play much with Emma. Seeing her daughter's joy at such simple interaction made Faith realize how much the child needed a male presence in her life.
The church social was held in the small white clapboard building that served as Silver Gulch's only house of worship. Inside, tables had been set up with food brought by the town's people, and someone was playing a fiddle in the corner. There were perhaps 30 people present, mostly minors and their families, along with some of the more respectable business owners from town. Faith felt eyes on her as she entered with Colton, who carried Emma's basket. Whispers followed them, and she fought the urge to turn around and flee.
Don't mind them," Colton murmured close to her ear. "People will always talk." Mrs. Abernay bustled over, effectively cutting off the whispers with her commanding presence. "Faith, dear, I'm so glad you came," she said warmly. "And you've brought the little one." "Come, let me introduce you to some of the ladies." With a reassuring nod from Colton, Faith allowed herself to be led away to a group of women, most of whom were older than her.
They welcomed her with varying degrees of warmth, some clearly curious about her relationship with Colton. Poor dear, losing your husband so young, said one woman, Mrs. Peterson, with what seemed like genuine sympathy, and with a baby to raise on your own. It's fortunate Mr. Reed has taken an interest in your welfare, added another Mrs.